MCAS Futenma: Located in the Center of the City

Marine Corps Air Station Futenma has been present in its current location, the

center of Ginowan City, since the end of the war 70 years ago. The air station, which

consumes 25% of the total city surface area, poses a danger and daily life impairments

such as noise pollution. The location of the air station is a crucial hindrance for the city’s

urban functions, traffic system, and overall development, disturbing the city’s financial

growth.

Although the land return has been agreed upon in the SACO Agreement, it has yet

to be implemented and the Ginowan City residents are compelled to take on many

base-specific burdens. The expeditious elimination of the dangers and burdens deriving

from this air station, widely known as “the most dangerous air station in the world,” has

been a pressing issue for the city.

As our newest approach to the issue, 9 organizations within the city united this past fiscal year to

hold a public meeting regarding the many issues and burdens deriving from MCAS Futenma. A joint

statement was also submitted to the entities concerned demanding “early closure and return of MCAS

Futenma,” “alleviation of dangers and burdens,” “relocation of MV-22 Ospreys,” and “noise abatement and

putting a ban on night time flight activity.”

We must prevent the air station from permanently establishing itself in its current location and must

refocus on the original agenda of the Land Return Agreement- “Alleviating Danger and Burden.” Ginowan City

intends to continue working to achieve our goals to permanently close the air station by February 2019 and

to mitigate afflictions in the meantime.

Atsushi Sakima

Mayor

MCAS Futenma: Located in the Center of the City

Greatly Affecting Daily Lives and Economy

Okinawa Prefecture

Japan China

Mongolia

Russia

India

Indonesia

MCAS Futenma

Ginowan

Nago City

Okinawa City

Naha City

Ginowan

South-Central

City Districts

Korea

� Location of Ginowan City

United States

Canada

Mexico

Elementary School

Junior High School

Ginowan city from above

MCAS Futenma

Ginowan City Office

Camp Foster

West Futenma Housing Area

Okinawa Int’l University

Ginowan City Data:

Area: 19.8km2 (Oct. 2016)

Population: 98,270(Jan. 2017)

# of Households: 42,770(Jan. 2017)

Codes

City Limits

National Hwy

Prefectural Hwy

Schools in the City Elementary School - 9 Junior High School - 4 High School -3 University - 1

U.S. military installation fence-line

Elementary School

Elementary School

Elementary School

Elementary School

Elementary School

Elementary School

Elementary School

Elementary School

Junior High School

Junior High School

High School

High School

High School

480.6ha

MCAS Futenma is located in the center of Ginowan City and consumes 1/4 of the

city’s total surface area (approx. 19.8km2). Additionally, with Camp Foster taking up

another 1.059km2 in the northern part of the city, approximately 30% of the total city’s

surface area is occupied by U.S. military installations.

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MCAS Futenma Surface AreaMCAS Futenma Surface AreaMCAS Futenma Surface AreaMCAS Futenma Surface Area (as of March 2017) City’s Population DensityCity’s Population DensityCity’s Population DensityCity’s Population Density

(as of Jan. 2017)

U.S. Military Facilities on OkinawaU.S. Military Facilities on OkinawaU.S. Military Facilities on OkinawaU.S. Military Facilities on Okinawa

Okinawa makes up a mere 0.6% of Japan, but 74% of the total surface area in use by the U.S. military in Japan is located in Okinawa.

Okinawa 74％ Mainland

Japan 26％ The U.S. Military in Japan

In fiscal year 2016, aircraft noise was detected 30 times in a single day by the

noise-level meter located in the Ue-Ojana Area, where it is known to be one of the

noisiest areas in Ginowan City. Citizens around the base are left with no option but to

live under these burdensome living conditions.

Number of Times Noise Number of Times Noise Number of Times Noise Number of Times Noise Was DetectedWas DetectedWas DetectedWas Detected

(Fiscal Year 2016 Ue-Ojana Dist.)

The highest recorded noise-level in fiscal year 2016 was 116.7dB- a noise-level said

to be the same level that one would experience standing right next to an active

aircraft engine. Moreover, although limited by U.S.-Japan agreement, night time flight

activity is still vigorous.

Noise-Level Noise-Level is equal to…

120dB Next to an active aircraft engine

110dB 2 meters away from a automobile horn

100dB Under a passing train

90dB Inside an active factory

There is an annual average of 2.7 aircraft mishaps involving aircrafts stationed at

MCAS Futenma. Considering the location of the air station- in the center of a densely

populated city, one accident can be catastrophic.

Accidents Involving Accidents Involving Accidents Involving Accidents Involving MCAS Futenma AircraftsMCAS Futenma AircraftsMCAS Futenma AircraftsMCAS Futenma Aircrafts

Total includes accident reports from the time of Okinawa’s return to the Mainland in 1972 until February 2017.

Highest Recorded NoiseHighest Recorded NoiseHighest Recorded NoiseHighest Recorded Noise----LevelLevelLevelLevel

(Oct.19, 2016 Ue-Ojana Dist.)

Night time NoiseNight time NoiseNight time NoiseNight time Noise----LevelLevelLevelLevel

(22:34 Mar. 2, 2017 Ue-Ojana Dist.)

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MCAS Futenma Land Return Stands at a HaltMCAS Futenma Land Return Stands at a HaltMCAS Futenma Land Return Stands at a HaltMCAS Futenma Land Return Stands at a Halt

Jun 1945 U.S. Forces seize land and begin construction of MCAS Futenma in

preparation for the Mainland battle

Dec 1996 Agreement to “return Futenma Air Station within the next five to seven years,

after adequate replacement facilities are completed and operational” based

upon SACO Final Report.

Aug 2004 U.S. military helicopter crash at Okinawa International

University

May 2006 Agreed to make 2014 the completion goal for the MCAS Futenma relocation

site under U.S.-Japan Roadmap for Realignment final report.

Jun 2011 Revised the 2014 relocation goal and re-pledged to complete the relocation

as soon as possible. (“2+2”)

Oct 2012 Deployment of MV-22 Ospreys begins

(completed Sept. 2013)

Apr 2013 Japanese and U.S. governments agree to a new relocation goal of “2022 or

later”

Feb 2014 Okinawa governor and Ginowan City mayor petition to the Government of

Japan to have the base closedand relocated within the next 5 years

Feb 2014 The first MCASFutenma Burden Reduction

Promotion Meeting

Aug 2014 15 KC-130’s, aerial-refueling aircrafts stationed at

MCAS Futenma, are relocated to Marine Corps

Air Station Iwakuni

Dec 2015 Simultaneous press release of Japanese and American media report pledge to

expedite work to return approximately 4ha of the eastern part of MCAS

Futenma.

Jul 2017 Returned approximately 4ha of the eastern part of MCAS Futenma.

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U.S. Military Helicopter Crash U.S. Military Helicopter Crash U.S. Military Helicopter Crash U.S. Military Helicopter Crash

at Okinawa International Universityat Okinawa International Universityat Okinawa International Universityat Okinawa International University On Friday, August 13, 2004, at around 2:15PM, a CH-53D

Helicopter operated out of MCAS Futenma crash landed into the

main building of Okinawa International University. The helicopter

went up into flames causing a major incident.

Crash Site

MCAS Futenma

Okinawa Int’l University

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Dec.13 2016 MV-22 Osprey made a crash-landing on the water in Nago city

Dec.13 2016 MV-22 Osprey faults landing gear

Jan.11 2017 CH-53 Helicopter had mechanical failure on the landing gear

Jan.20 2017 AH-1Z made an emergency landing in Uruma city

Jun.1 2017 CH-53 Helicopter made a precautionary landing in Kume Island

Jun.6 2017 MV-22 Osprey made a precautionary landing in Ie Island.

Jun.10 2017 MV-22 Osprey a precautionary landing in Amami Airport

Aug.5 2017 MV-22 Osprey smashed into a ship and eventually slid into the ocean off

the coast in Australia.

Aug.30 2017 MV-22 Osprey made a precautionary landing in Oita Prefecture

Sep.29 2017

MV-22 Osprey made a precautionary landing

in New Ishigaki Airport

Oct.11 2017 CH-53 Helicopter made an emergency landing

and caught fire in Higashi Village

Incidents of Aircrafts operated out ofIncidents of Aircrafts operated out ofIncidents of Aircrafts operated out ofIncidents of Aircrafts operated out of MCAS FutenmaMCAS FutenmaMCAS FutenmaMCAS Futenma (Since Dec.2016)(Since Dec.2016)(Since Dec.2016)(Since Dec.2016)

Ginowan City has established a hotline to accommodate complaints made outside of our

office hours.

The Hotline is an automated messaging system which staff will review the following morning

and relay any messages to the mayor, U.S. military and Okinawa Defense Bureau. In the case

that numerous complaints are made about the same topic, the city directly petitions to the

appropriate entities.

Actual Calls (translated) Made to the HotlineActual Calls (translated) Made to the HotlineActual Calls (translated) Made to the HotlineActual Calls (translated) Made to the Hotline July.20, 2017 23:04 (Female)

They were still flying and it is very loud. Please do something. I can not get any rest because the noise

every night. What do they think about Okinawans human rights. Aug.25, 2017 15:57 (Nodake Resident- Male)

I can not take this loud noise anymore. I have a sick person in my house, but the Jets are flying during the day

time and the Osprey are flying at night. We can not get rest even at dinner time. I can not take it anymore.

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Multiple complaints to the Multiple complaints to the Multiple complaints to the Multiple complaints to the Hotline Regarding Noise Hotline Regarding Noise Hotline Regarding Noise Hotline Regarding Noise

PollutionPollutionPollutionPollution

Jun.29, 2017 20:44 (Kyuna Resident- Male)

My children can not sleep and are very frightened because there are helicopters flying at low altitude,

we are scared when they are flying at low altitudes. Please help us.

April.21, 2017 22:03 (Kakazu Resident- Male)

The Osprey descended toward the landing over my house past 22:00 again, and it went down with a

low frequency explosion. They are flying past 22:00 every day lately, please stop them flying.

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160160160160195195195195

14914914914981818181

145145145145

225225225225293293293293

203203203203

301301301301363363363363

398398398398

0

100

200

300

400

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Complaints of Noise Pollution called into Hotline（件）

4 Main Points of the Joint Statement:

1. Prevent the air station from permanently establishing itself in its current location

and expedite the closure and return of base.

2. Visible measure for alleviation of danger and burdens deriving from the base

3. Relocation of MV-22 Ospreys

4. Abiding by the “Aircraft Noise Abatement Countermeasure at Futenma Air Station”

agreement and discontinuation of night time flying and flight above residential

9

Upon receiving over 100 noise complaint calls in October 2015, 9 organizations within the

city assembled to voice the opinions of local residents. A joint statement and petition was

submitted to Japanese government and other related political parties.

Participating Organizations:

・Ginowan City ・Women’s Assn. ・Ginowan City Council

・Youth Assn. ・Board of Education ・Commerce and Industry

・Head of Districts ・PTA Assn. ・Elder’s Assn.

The 9 Organization Joint The 9 Organization Joint The 9 Organization Joint The 9 Organization Joint StatementStatementStatementStatement

Press Conference with 9 Orgs Petition to Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

Petition to Minister of Defense Nakatani Petition to Cabinet Office

Extraordinary Minister Shimajiri

The 2016 the GinowanThe 2016 the GinowanThe 2016 the GinowanThe 2016 the Ginowan City ProjectCity ProjectCity ProjectCity Project

4 Main points of the Joint Statement:

1. Prevent the air station from permanently establishing itself in its current

location and expedite the closure and return of base.

2. Until the return of MCAS Futenma is realized, the US and Japanese

Governments need to increase efforts in eliminating the dangers of MCAS

Futenma to another base.

3. Relocation of the MV-22 Ospreys

4. Prohibition of all low altitude flights as well as circling over residential areas.

As of April 2016, more than 20 years since the U.S. and Japanese governments agreed to

return the MCAS Futenma land, the base continues to operate in its current location, which

is the center of Ginowan City. It is widely known to have been posing dangers, risks of

accidents and daily-life impairments such as noise pollution. To have a complete and full

understanding, full cooperation of the U.S. government are indispensable to realize the

closure and return as soon as possible the land of MCAS Futenma, which is a strong desire

of the citizens. Thurs, we visited the U.S. from 23rd April 2016 to the 1st May 2016 to resolve

the MCAS Futenma issue as soon as possible.

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Agenda at MCAS Futenma Burden Agenda at MCAS Futenma Burden Agenda at MCAS Futenma Burden Agenda at MCAS Futenma Burden

Reduction Promotion MeetingReduction Promotion MeetingReduction Promotion MeetingReduction Promotion Meeting

【Main Discussion Topics】

・To cease all operations on MCAS Futenmain the next 5 years and the alleviation of the related risks and burdens.

・12 Ospreys dispositions to be replaced from Okinawa

・Fundamental revision and addition to the

status of Forces Agreement. Besides that, discussions are underway to

reduce the burden on MCAS Futenma.

“The MCAS Futenma Burden Reduction Promotion Meeting” which consists of the

Japanese government, the Okinawa prefecture and Ginowan City is continuously

being held accountable for the closure of MCAS Futenma at the earliest possible date

and return of the land to solve the root cause of these arising issues, as well as

realization of the agreement to cease all operation MCAS Futenma in the next 5 years

and the alleviation of these risks and burdens. One of the achievements, 15 KC-130’s

aerial-refueling aircrafts stationed at MCAS Futenma, are relocated to Marine Corps

Air Station Iwakuni.

Returned land on the East sideReturned land on the East sideReturned land on the East sideReturned land on the East side of Futenma Air Stationof Futenma Air Stationof Futenma Air Stationof Futenma Air Station

On July 2017, the East side of Futenma Air

Station land (Approx. 4ha) was returned.

Many local residents, Japanese governments

and U.S. Military’s we’re in attendance for

the Land Return Ceremony and Reception.

The long-awaited return of the land is a step

towards the future of Ginowan City and we

believe that it is a guide to the full return of

the land which has been planned to be

returned which in turn will improve the city

roads thus alleviating chronic congestion.

(Start schedule 2019)

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MCAS Futenma

Direct impact by Survey

hundred million yen

Percentage

of increased

revenue

Camp Kuwae 719 40 334 735%

Camp Zukeran 1,938 109 1,061 873%

MCAS Futenma 5,027 120 3,866 3122%

Makiminato

Service Area3,143 202 2,564 1169%

Naha port 943 30 1,076 3487%

Total 11,770 501 8,901 1677%

Direct impact by economic revenue

hundred million yen

After return of the Base SiteBefore return of

the Base Site

After return of

the Base Site

Preparing for the land return of MCAS Futenma…

Camp Foster

West Futenma Housing Area

12

Estimated the economic impactEstimated the economic impactEstimated the economic impactEstimated the economic impact of the Base Site for the Futureof the Base Site for the Futureof the Base Site for the Futureof the Base Site for the Future

※This plan is an interim reporting of what has been discussed so far. The general redevelopment plan, traffic routes, and locations of parks and other facilities are subject to change.

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